Tractor blocks Inverness-Caithness rail link

A TRACTOR and trailer halted trains between Inverness and Caithness for up to 15 hours today after being found blocking the railway line.

A tractor and trailer halted the rail link between Inverness and Caithness for several hours. Picture: Neil Hanna

They were spotted at 7am after rolling onto the single-track line track from a field near Golspie, British Transport Police (BTP) said.

The vehicles were removed around 1:30pm but Network Rail said they had damaged several sleepers and the line would remain closed while repairs were carried out.

The tractor was found on its side, but the trailer was upright.

Passengers between Inverness, Thurso and Wick were transferred to buses between Tain and Brora, with ScotRail advising travellers that disruption could continue until 10pm.

BTP said joint inquiries with Police Scotland were continuing into the incident.